Venado Caves

Cavernas de Venado

A network of limestone caves filled with stalactites, underground streams and bats near La Fortuna. Guided spelunking tours through the tunnels are a popular off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Things to do

• Guided cave spelunking tour — Follow a local guide through the roughly 45-minute to two-hour underground route past narrow passages and chambers of the Venado Caves.
• Squeeze through the Nariz del Guarda — Crawl through the caves' famous tight limestone squeeze known as the guard's nose, a highlight for adventurous visitors.
• Wade the underground stream — Splash through the shallow subterranean river that carved these caves, so expect to get wet up to your knees or waist.
• Spot bats and cave wildlife — Look up to see colonies of bats, plus frogs, spiders and blind cave fish clinging to the walls and pools.
• See the Papaya and altar formations — Admire named stalactite and stalagmite shapes like the papaya, the breast and the natural altar pointed out by guides.
• Rinse off in the changing area — Use the on-site showers and changing rooms to clean off the mud after emerging from the caves.
• Combine with a La Fortuna day trip — Pair the caves with nearby Arenal Volcano and hot springs since Venado sits between La Fortuna and Lake Arenal.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty plate of rice, black beans, plantains, salad and meat served at local sodas around Venado village.
• Gallo pinto — The classic Costa Rican breakfast of stirred rice and beans, often served with eggs and coffee before a morning tour.
• Fresh tropical fruit refrescos — Try natural fruit drinks made from tamarind, cas or blackberry to rehydrate after the muddy cave trek.
• Tamales — Corn dough stuffed with pork and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves, a rural specialty in the Alajuela countryside.
• Agua dulce with cheese — A warm sugarcane drink often paired with fresh farmer's cheese, common in this dairy-farming region.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear old shoes and bring dry clothes — You will get soaked and muddy, so closed-toe shoes you don't mind ruining and a full change of clothes are essential.
• Tip your guide — Small-group cave guides are locals from the Venado area, and a modest tip for their care and knowledge is appreciated.
• Book ahead in rainy season — Heavy rains can raise water levels and close the caves, so confirm conditions and reservations before driving out.
• Respect the rural pace — Venado is a quiet farming community, so cash is handy and services are limited compared to touristy La Fortuna.

Nearby

• Arenal Volcano — 12 km
• La Fortuna — 16 km
• Lake Arenal — 17 km
• La Fortuna Waterfall — 17 km